B2nounhealthtravel
US/ˈbreɪk.daʊn/
UK/ˈbreɪk.daʊn/
a failure of a machine, system or relationship; also a detailed list showing the parts of something
In context
We had a breakdown on the highway and waited two hours for help.
After years of stress at work, he suffered a nervous breakdown.
Could you send me a breakdown of the costs for each part of the trip?
Words that go with breakdown
adjective + noun
- nervous breakdownShe had a nervous breakdown after her divorce.
- complete breakdownThere has been a complete breakdown in communication between the two teams.
- detailed breakdownThe accountant prepared a detailed breakdown of the figures.
noun + preposition
- breakdown ofThe report gives a breakdown of spending by department.
- breakdown inThe strike was caused by a breakdown in talks between workers and managers.
noun + noun
- marriage breakdownMoney problems are a common cause of marriage breakdown.
verb + noun
- suffer a breakdownHe suffered a breakdown and had to take six months off work.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
My car breakdown on the way to work.Correct: My car broke down on the way to work.